FAQ

1. How do I post a translation job?

Submission of your translation job is hassle-free.

On the Home Page, we have a graphical user interface for submissions. You can paste or type the content to be translated in the text box provided. Or you can upload the job file you want translated. The job files are only visible to the linguist that you choose to work on the job and are subject to a non-disclosure agreement.

While our system may detect the number of words in your file and give you the estimate for your translation, please review the number and provide an accurate number of words in your translation job.

You may upload as many files as you want. Each file will be translated. You can hire one linguist to work on all the job files. Or you may choose one linguist for each job file by choosing “Select different linguists to work on different files simultaneously”. In this case, multiple jobs will be posted and you can choose a favorite linguist for each job.

Then simply follow the rest of the order instructions. For example, you can select the source language and the destination language for the job. You can also select the expertise and purpose of the job. At the end, you will input instructions or upload an instruction file. These instructions are publicly visible to all linguists so they can review the respective job information to decide if they are qualified and available for the work.

2. How do I post an editing or proofreading job?

You may upload the job files to be edited or proofread in the text box provided on the homepage or the first “Complete Your Order” page. Or you can paste texts to be edited or proofread in the text box on the homepage. Then click on the NEXT button to reach the first “Complete Your Order” page. On the tabs above, you can select Proofreading or Editing. The job files are only visible to the linguist that you choose to work on the job and are subject to a non-disclosure agreement.

While our system may detect the number of words in your file and give you an estimate, please review the number and provide an accurate number of words for the editing/proofreading job. The word count consists of the words to be proofread in the job files.

3. What is a writing job, and how do I submit a writing job?

A writing job is any written creative service that can be delivered digitally.

After you enter a project description or upload the job file in the text box provided on the homepage, click on the NEXT button to reach the first order page. At the top of the order specifications, you can choose the specific writing service. Here, each job file should contain detailed descriptions of what you want the linguists to deliver. The job files are only visible to the linguist that you choose to work on the job and are subject to a non-disclosure agreement.

For the word count for each job, please enter the number of words to be delivered as a measure of the workload of the job. If it’s a pure writing job, like documentation writing or resume writing, please input the exact number of words you expect to be delivered.

If it’s a creative job whose work load cannot be accurately measured by word count, please refer to the next section for more details.

Please make sure the word count is calculated properly. Otherwise, your preferred linguist may pass on your project because the work load does not match the job description.

4. How do I post a job when the work load is not measurable by word count?

Some creative jobs require an intensive work load that cannot be estimated simply by word count. Examples include, but are not limited to, voice over services, naming, patent drafting, flowchart drawings, etc. You should still post these creative projects as writing jobs.

In these cases, you should revise the word count so that they accurately match the work load.

Typically, a writer can create between 800 and 1500 words of original content per day, working at a comfortable speed with time to properly revise and polish his or her work. When it comes to work intensive, creative projects, a good method for revising the word count to match the heightened work load is to estimate 150 words per hour of work. For example, if you need to hire a linguist to give a two-word name to your baby and you expect one hour work of research and creative thinking, you can insert 150 as the word count, rather than 2. If you need a 100 word thesis abstract written, but you estimate it will require 4 hours of research and writing, then enter 600 as the word count.

Please make sure the word count is input properly. Otherwise, your preferred linguist may pass on your project because the work load does not match the job description.

5. Are my job files visible to all linguists?

No. We respect your privacy and the confidentiality of your texts. All job source content and files you enter or upload to the website are visible only to the linguist you choose to work on the job.

In the instructions section, you are allowed to upload one additional instruction file. This instruction file, together with the other job specifications, is visible to all linguists. This allows the linguists to read and understand what the job is about and decide if they want to bid on the job.

After the job is completed by the linguist and you approve its completion, you can choose to remove all job files. Once you remove them, the files will no longer be stored on the website. The linguist that works on the job is also required to remove the downloaded job files no later than thirty days after the job is completed.

6. What file types can I upload in my order?

All file types, except executable apps/scripts/malicious malware/virus/etc. If Freelinguist® detects an upload of executable apps/scripts/malicious malware/virus, we will immediately take legal action for the offense.

7. How do I determine the word count for my job?

To simplify the process, we measure the work load using the word count of your job. For translation, editing, or proofreading jobs, the word count should be the number of words/characters of the source files that you upload in your order. For example, if you need to translate a patent of 10,000 words from English to Japanese, the word count is 10,000. The word count of the final product is irrelevant.

The word count for writing jobs is determined in a different way. Please refer to the following paragraph for details.

8. How do I determine the word count for writing jobs?

For writing jobs, the word count is the number of words/characters to be produced by the linguist. For example, if you need a linguist to write a technical report of 5,000 words in English, the word count is 5,000.

It is important to note that various writing jobs require different work loads. A 500 word blog post requires far less work than a 500 word thesis abstract. Other work intensive examples include voice over services, naming, patent drafting, flowchart drawings, etc. For these job types, you will need to change or “inflate” the word count to match the work load.

Please refer to FAQ Section 4 for information on how to correctly estimate your word count for work intensive projects.

9. The word count for my job file is different from the number calculated by the Freelinguist® platform. Do I need to correct it?

After uploading the file, the website will provide a rough estimate of the number of words in the file. However, the estimate may not be correct because of the difference in file formats. Please correct the word count and make sure they are as accurate as possible. The word count determines the workload of the job, the order price, and the payment to the linguist that works on the job.

After a linguist is selected to work on your job, the linguist will be able to review your job files. If the linguist finds a significant mismatch between the actual work load and the word count of the job, the linguist may reject service, which may unfortunately delay your job progress. Accordingly, please ensure your word count is accurate.

10. What is the difference between instructions and an instruction file?

For each job, you need to provide detailed instructions to explain the job and your expectations.

The instruction text box and instruction file serve the same purpose. The instruction file gives you more flexibility while uploading your instructions. For example, you may upload an audio or video file to explain what you expect from this job, why you need it, and where you are going to use the delivered content. Or perhaps you need to upload an Excel worksheet or graphic image. The instruction file makes that possible.

The instructions are provided in the job description so that all linguists can read them to discern the job type and their suitability for the work. The instructions should be as clear and thorough as possible. The clearer your expectations, the better equipped our linguists are to meet and exceed them.

You should not input any confidential information in the instructions as they are publicly visible to all approved linguists working on Freelinguist®.

11. What is the difference between the job file and instruction file?

Job files are uploaded to the homepage or the first order page. These are the files that the linguists will work on. For example, if you order a translation service, the job files are the source texts that need to be translated. If you order a writing service, the job files include detailed descriptions of exactly what you want to write, and the description may include confidential information that will be accessed only by the linguist you select to work on the job. The job files are only visible to the linguist that you choose to work on the job and are subject to a non-disclosure agreement.

While completing the job specification, the client also needs to post some instructions to inform linguists what this job is about so that they can decide if they are capable of completing the job. Clients have an additional option of uploading an instruction file. These instruction files may contain text, audio instructions, photos, video, etc.

The instruction file is uploaded on the third order page. While you can upload as many job files as needed, you can only upload one instruction file.

Like the instructions, instruction files are publicly visible to all linguists on the platform. Please refrain from inserting sensitive or confidential information in the instruction file.

12. How much time will it take for my job to be completed?

When you place an order, you may specify the expected delivery date of your job. The linguists on our platform guarantee to do their best to meet the expected delivery date. If you find the linguist fails to meet your time expectation, you may send a reminder to the linguist using the internal messaging system. Alternatively, you may request to reject the service on the job details page or submit a dispute request to [email protected].

13. What job size may I submit to Freelinguist®?

It’s completely up to you. Our platform does not restrict job size. You may submit as many job files in whatever formats you wish to the platform. In addition, you may choose one linguist to work on all of your job files, or you may choose one linguist for each job file by enabling “Select different linguists to work on different files simultaneously.” Then you can hire as many linguists as you need to complete your job.

14. When will I know my job is completed, and how do I receive the service document?

We will notify you of the completion of the job immediately through email once the linguist has submitted a service file. You can download the service file in your dashboard.

15. Can I request revision of the service files?

Yes. Once the linguist has submitted the service files, you can download them from your dashboard. Then review the service files. If you are happy with the work, please approve the completion of the job. You will receive 5% of the order price as FREE credit, which can be used towards your future orders. If you desire further revision of the service files, you may submit the request to the linguist together with detailed revision instructions. Our linguist will follow your instructions and revise the service files until you are 100% satisfied and approve the completion of the job.

Once the service files are submitted by the linguist, you have 120 hours to review the files. If you do not approve completion, request revision, or request a rejection of the service within 120 hours, the job is automatically and permanently approved. If you are not satisfied with the service and decide to reject the service, please submit service rejection request before the 120 hours expire.

16. What are credits?

Credits are the dollar amount that can be used to purchase language services from linguists on our platform. All credits are non-refundable.

17.How do I obtain or refill credits?

You can refill credits using various financial tools, such as credit card, PayPal, Alipay, wire transfer, etc. You can also wire transfer funds to an account provided by us. Once you send us the transfer details, our administrator will (re)fill the credits for you.

18. What are FREE credits?

FREE credits can be used to purchase part of the language services from linguists on our platform. The amount of FREE credits that can be used in each order cannot exceed 10% of the total order price.

19. How do I obtain FREE credits?

We will occasionally announce various promotions. In each promotion, you will get a PROMO code. You simply enter PROMO code in the Wallet section of your dashboard to receive FREE credits. In addition, after each approval of a completed job, you will receive FREE credits worth of 5% of the total order price. FREE credits can never be withdrawn from your account for any reason.

20. Can I cancel my order or job?

We aim to provide you with a delightful experience by giving you as much flexibility and convenience as possible. After you place an order, you can cancel that order any time before your selected linguist begins the project.

Kindly note that ongoing jobs in which the linguists have started language services cannot be cancelled.

After the service files are submitted by the linguist, you may request as many revisions as necessary at no extra cost until you are 100% satisfied. If you are totally unsatisfied with the linguist’s work, you may choose to reject the service after the expected delivery date. At that point, the linguist must decide if the job should be cancelled or an independent mediator should be hired to review the case.

21. In which format will I receive my service files?

You may specify the file format when placing the order.

22. Which file types/formats do you support?

We support the maximum number of file types. On the homepage, we have included a text editor, where you can directly enter the source text to be serviced. Alternately, you can upload files with various extensions such as .doc (Microsoft Word), .ppt (Microsoft Powerpoint), .xls (Microsoft Excel), .pdf (Adobe), .jpg, .gif (image) or many others. However, files that can be executed or malicious are prohibited. If Freelinguist® detects an upload of executable apps/scripts/malicious malware/virus, we will immediately take legal action for the offense.

23.I have a query that is not on your FAQs. What should I do?

24. Where is my invoice?

After you confirm your order on the Freelinguist® site, we will email an invoice to your registered email address. You can also download all your invoices on the Wallet page of your dashboard.

25. I have a special request for the linguist. Where do I enter it?

When you place the order, you may input detailed instructions. You can also upload an additional instruction file in any format, including audio, video, images, text, etc. Please make your instructions as detailed and clear as possible. Once you have selected your favorite linguist, you can communicate directly with the linguists one-on-one using our internal messaging system.

26. Can I choose the linguist for my job?

Of course! The linguists who are confident they can complete your job successfully will place bids. You can navigate through their profiles to choose the best candidate. For example, you can assess their educational qualifications, language and work experience, certificates, sample work, and many other relevant credentials. You can also view their Freelinguist® rating and feedback left by previous clients.

Once you have selected your favorite linguist, you can hire that linguist by clicking the HIRE button. The linguist will receive a notification and review your job files to confirm that they match the job specification and instructions. If everything is congruent, the linguist will accept the job. If the linguist finds a significant mismatch, the linguist may choose to decline the offer. In this case, continue hiring linguists until one accepts the offer and starts the service.

27. Which plan (Personal or Business) should I choose for blog writing?

We recommend that you choose the personal plan, as it best suits blog writing and other everyday content.

28. Can you translate my video/audio files?

Yes, our linguists can do translation and transcription of content stored in audio and video files. Simply upload the video/audio files to be translated to Freelinguist® and specify your needs in the instructions section before placing the order.

29. What is meant by “Proofreading”?

Proofreading means fixing grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes, correcting style inconsistencies, highlighting areas where you might be overusing adjectives and adverbs, and offering solutions to overly complex sentences. Our linguists review the files provided by you in the languages they are written and correct them where necessary. We have native linguists for almost all languages around the world. Get in touch with our linguists if you want to use our proofreading services.

30. Do I need to specify the expertise and purpose of the job in the order?

Yes, please specify both the expertise and purpose of the job. This will be helpful for our linguists to match their expertise with your job requirements.

31. Will my job be kept confidential?

All linguists providing services on Freelinguist® have to follow a non-disclosure agreement. No linguist is allowed to share any information related to your job to any third party, which ensures your privacy is upheld. Please refer to the Linguist NDA in Terms of Service for details.

32. Can I remove the files after the job has been completed?

Yes, you can remove all files after the job has been approved completed. Make sure you have proper backups before removing any files. Once removed from our system, they will be unretrievable. They will be completely wiped from our servers to ensure your privacy is upheld.

33. Can I use a payment method other than credit card, Paypal, or Alipay?

Yes, you can use the traditional bank transfer method to the account provided by us or send us money orders or checks. Once you have sent payment, please email us the detailed information of the transfer so that we can refill your account properly. Once we have received the funds, we will refill your account within 24 business hours. Then you can use the credits in Freelinguist® Wallet to purchase language services.

34. What is the meaning of “Select different linguists to work on different files simultaneously” when placing the order?

When you have multiple job files for a job, you may want to hire more than one linguist to work on your job. By choosing yes to “Select different linguists to work on different files simultaneously”, each job file will be treated as an independent job and the linguists will bid on each job file independently. Then you can choose a favorite linguist for each job file. For example, if you have five job files, you will be able to choose five linguists to work on the five files independently at the same time.

35. How much time do I have to review the service files submitted by the linguist?

After a linguist has submitted either new or revised service files, you have up to 120 hours to review the content and decide if you want to request a revision, approve the completion, or request a rejection of the job. If you don’t do anything within 120 hours, the job will be automatically and permanently approved. You can request as many revisions as you like, and our linguists will always do their best to meet your requirements until you are 100% satisfied.

36. How should I resolve a dispute if I am not happy with the work submitted by the linguist?

If you are not happy with the work, don’t hesitate to request revisions. Our linguist will provide as many revisions as necessary to deliver the quality of content that you require.

If you are still not satisfied with the service after revisions, you may choose to reject the service. Upon rejection, the linguist will decide if the job should be cancelled or if an independent mediator should be hired to review the case. You are allowed to reject a service that has been started after the expected delivery date. If the service is cancelled, we will cancel the job. If the linguist fails to respond properly, we will cancel the job. Once the job is cancelled, all credits and FREE credits will be fully refunded. Then you can post your job again and select another, more capable linguist to work on your job at no additional cost.

37. What is the process of resolving a dispute with a linguist?

After the expected delivery date of the service, you may request a rejection of the service within 120 hours after the linguist has submitted the new or revised service files. Once the request is submitted, the linguist has 20 days to:

Continue improving service until you’re 100% satisfied and approve job completion; or

Approve the rejection and cancel the service, and all your credits and FREE credits will be fully refunded; or

Hire an independent mediator to enter mediation.

Even after you request rejection, the linguist may continue improving services. You still need to follow the review rules until the case is resolved.

At any time that you are satisfied with the service, please approve the job completion, and the case will be dismissed automatically.

If the linguist hires an independent mediator, the case enters mediation. The mediator will carefully consider all information presented and contact you shortly for an agreeable solution. If you want to present any additional information other than those in the Job Details, please email them to [email protected] within 5 business days. How long the mediation takes will depend on how complicated the issue is. We don’t want to make unjustified decisions, so we take time to ensure the outcome is fair.

In the unlikely event that a case remains unresolved for more than 365 days, it is considered a late delivery, whereupon you will receive a full refund.

38. Can I choose multiple linguists to work on my job?

Yes, by enabling “Select different linguists to work on different files simultaneously.” In this case, each job file will be treated as an independent job, and you can choose one linguist for each file.

39. May I order multiple translations at once?

Yes, you can order as many translation services as needed. Simply upload all the source files at once. If you want to hire different linguists to work on different files simultaneously, you can enable “Select different linguists to work on different files simultaneously.” In this case, each job file will be treated as an independent job and you can choose a separate linguist for each file.